Drivers affected by jeepney modernization may avail DSWD aid, says exec

FILE PHOTO: A personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development gives cash aid to a beneficiary and the DSWD logo. Photo courtesy of DSWD-7/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jeepney drivers affected by the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) may avail of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assistance, according to an agency official on Friday.

In a statement, DSWD Program Management Bureau (PMB) Director Miramel Laxa said that DSWD drivers could avail of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

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“It is possible that they can avail of AICS since they can be categorized as in crisis,” Laxa said.

According to the DSWD, the AICS is a stop-gap measure that gives temporary and immediate aid to people in crisis. The assistance could come in the form of food and cash aid.

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However, the AICS is a one-time grant.

“It would be better to also consider them for livelihood programs and grants offered by different government agencies,” said Laxa.

The PUVMP has been heavily criticized by jeepney drivers, who argued that the new jeeps could not be afforded by the common operator. The deadline to consolidate jeepneys is on December 31.